Therapeutic neutralizing monoclonal antibody administration protects against lethal yellow fever virus infection

Sci Transl Med. 2023 Mar 29;15(689):eade5795. doi: 10.1126/scitranslmed.ade5795. Epub 2023 Mar 29.

Abstract

Yellow fever virus (YFV) is a reemerging global health threat, driven by several factors, including increased spread of the mosquito vector and rapid urbanization. Although a prophylactic vaccine exists, vaccine hesitancy, supply deficits, and distribution difficulties leave specific populations at risk of severe YFV disease, as evidenced by recent outbreaks in South America. To establish a treatment for patients with severe YFV infection, we tested 37 YFV-specific monoclonal antibodies isolated from vaccinated humans and identified two capable of potently neutralizing multiple pathogenic primary YFV isolates. Using both hamster and nonhuman primate models of lethal YFV infection, we demonstrate that a single administration of either of these two potently neutralizing antibodies during acute infection fully controlled viremia and prevented severe disease and death in treated animals. Given the potential severity of YFV-induced disease, our results show that these antibodies could be effective in saving lives and fill a much-needed void in managing YFV cases during outbreaks.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Viral / therapeutic use
  • Cricetinae
  • Humans
  • Yellow Fever Vaccine* / adverse effects
  • Yellow Fever* / prevention & control
  • Yellow fever virus

Substances

  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Yellow Fever Vaccine
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal